Two simple finite element methods for Reissner–Mindlin plates with clamped boundary condition

Abstract

We present two simple finite element methods for the discretization of Reissner–Mindlin plate equations with clamped boundary condition. These finite element methods are based on discrete Lagrange multiplier spaces from mortar finite element techniques. We prove optimal a priori error estimates for both methods. The first approach is based on a so-called standard Lagrange multiplier space for the mortar finite element method, where the Lagrange multiplier basis functions are continuous. The second approach is based on a so-called dual Lagrange multiplier space, where the Lagrange multiplier basis functions are discontinuous. The advantage of using the second approach is that easy static condensation of degrees of freedom corresponding to the Lagrange multiplier is possibly leading to a symmetric positive definite formulation.